Field Biosampler for Remote RNA Preservation in Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for environmental testing of aqueous bodies are inadequate due to the density of water, limited human resources, geographic challenges, and the instability of analytes like RNA, which requires prompt preservation to maintain data accuracy and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A field apparatus with electronically controlled valves and a biopreservative system that automates the collection and preservation of large aqueous samples, allowing for remote capture and processing of unstable analytes like RNA, enabling efficient data collection across multiple points in time and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual sampling methods are used, then human resources and geographic accessibility are constrained, but the quantity and resolution of data collected is insufficient for comprehensive water health monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system operates autonomously in the field without requiring continuous human intervention. The electronically controlled valves and pumping system automatically collect water samples, filter them, and preserve RNA analytes according to pre-programmed sequences, enabling the system to serve itself in remote locations with limited human resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sample collection and preservation actions in the field before samples need to be transported to laboratories. By collecting and preserving multiple samples ahead of time at various locations, the system prepares data ready for analysis, eliminating the need for immediate laboratory processing and enabling comprehensive spatial-temporal monitoring
2Quantity of substance
If small water samples are collected for field measurements, then the portability is improved, but the resolution and comprehensiveness of data are reduced due to water's density
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sampling process into discrete automated steps controlled by electronically controlled valves. The sampling apparatus is segmented into functional modules (pumping system, filtration system, preservation system) that can operate independently, allowing the collection of large water volumes without requiring proportionally larger overall apparatus size
Solution Approach 2:
An electronically controlled valve system acts as an intermediary between the water source and collection vessels. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control over large volume sampling without requiring manual handling, allowing the system to manage substantial water quantities while maintaining compact apparatus design through automated fluid control
3Reliability
If RNA samples are collected without immediate preservation, then the simplicity of collection is maintained, but the stability and accuracy of analyte data deteriorate rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preservation action immediately upon sample collection. Biopreservative is automatically added to captured RNA samples right at the collection site before any potential degradation can occur. This preliminary preservation ensures RNA stability is maintained from the moment of capture, eliminating the reliability issues that would arise from delayed preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The preservation system operates continuously throughout the sampling process. As water flows through the filtration system and RNA is captured on filters, biopreservative is continuously present in the system, ensuring that preservation action is ongoing without interruption. This continuous preservation maintains constant RNA stability throughout the entire sampling and storage period
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution facilitates the generation of comprehensive, high-resolution data sets for water health analysis, improving the scalability and detail of environmental monitoring, even in remote or resource-constrained areas, by preserving RNA and allowing for 'big data' analyses.
Implementation Method 1
a plenum having a filter, the filter disposed between the inlet and outlet portions
Data Source
AI summary
A field apparatus (also referred to as a “biosampler”) is configured to automatically capture multiple samples of an aqueous medium (for example, water from a lake) and process same to preserve unstable analytes in the field. In this way, a set of samples from the aqueous medium can, for example, be captured at multiple points in time, processed with a biopreservative to preserve unstable analytes (for example, RNA) and then later collected for further analysis. Alternatively, multiple samples of the aqueous medium can be collected and preserved at one moment.